Chatter: New Cold Wars with Journalist David Sanger
Apr 23, 2024
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Journalist David Sanger discusses the U.S.'s new conflicts with Russia and China, Biden administration's concerns about a potential nuclear threat from Putin, strategic importance of chips in military systems, Taiwan's defense amid technological advancements, geopolitics in Ukraine, and the complexities of modern cold wars and global alliances.
US misjudged Chinese and Russian intentions leading to new conflicts.
Biden administration emphasizes strategic partnerships over economic initiatives with China.
Nations are adapting to a more competitive global landscape shaped by Russia and China.
Deep dives
Overview of New Cold Wars by David Sanger
The podcast episode delves into the complexities of international relations focusing on the evolving dynamics of the US-China relationship. David Sanger, a journalist, explores the challenges posed by what he terms 'New Cold Wars.' He discusses the fundamental shift in the global landscape, where countries are faced with the choice between different strategic alliances.
US-China Dynamics and Geopolitical Strategy
Sanger highlights the contrasting approaches of the Biden administration towards China, emphasizing the need to align with strategic partners over economic and technological initiatives. He underscores the strategic importance of choosing alliances and how the US-China relationship shapes global power dynamics.
Globalization's Transformation
Sanger points out the shift away from traditional globalization strategies, highlighting the increasingly competitive landscape for strategic partnerships. He explores how nations are recalibrating their approaches to international relations in the face of emerging challenges posed by global powers like Russia and China.
Nuclear Paradox and Armed Conflict
The podcast delves into the intricate balance of nuclear deterrence and conventional warfare tactics in the context of current geopolitical tensions. Sanger discusses the complex interplay between military preparedness, strategic signaling, and the risks and challenges associated with potential nuclear escalation.
US Alliances and Defense Strategy
Sanger underscores the significance of the US-led alliance structure in countering the threats posed by Russia and China. He explores the implications of a strong commitment to alliances versus a potential retreat into isolationism, highlighting the strategic choices that countries face in navigating the new era of global power dynamics.
David Sanger has been writing for the New York Timessince he graduated from college more than four decades ago. Over that period, Sanger has served as a business correspondent in Silicon Valley, the Times bureau chief in Japan, and has covered the last five presidents—which has given Sanger a front-row seat to U.S. foreign policy for much of the post-Cold War period. It is that experience that informs Sanger’s newest book, “New Cold Wars,” in which Sanger argues—relying on a voluminous and colorful set of interviews with administration officials—that the U.S. has entered two new military, technological, and economic conflicts with Russia and China.
Lawfare Research Fellow Matt Gluck spoke about the book with Sanger. They discussed how the United States slipped into these conflicts through misreading Chinese and Russian geopolitical intentions and how the U.S. is seeking to navigate this new era. They also discussed how close Biden administration officials believed Vladimir Putin was to using a nuclear weapon in the fall of 2022.
Chatter is a production of Lawfare and Goat Rodeo. This episode was produced and edited by Noam Osband and Cara Shillenn of Goat Rodeo. Podcast theme by David Priess, featuring music created using Groovepad.